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Questions to Ask Dental Hygienist Schools
Now that you have decided to become a dental hygienist in South Bend IN, you can start the process of comparing programs and schools. As we discussed at the opening of this article, many prospective students begin by looking at the cost and the location of the schools. Possibly they look for several online options as well. Although these may be important initial considerations, there are several additional questions that you need to address to the schools you are looking at in order to make an informed decision. To start that process, we have included a list of questions to assist you with your due diligence and final selection of the best dental hygienist program for you.
Is the Dental Program Accredited? There are a number of good reasons why you should only choose an accredited dental hygienist program. If you are going to become certified or licensed, then accreditation is a condition in almost all states. To qualify to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination, your dental school must be accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA). Accreditation also helps establish that the training you get is comprehensive and of the highest quality. South Bend IN employers often prefer or require that new hires are graduates of accredited colleges. And last, if you are requesting financial aid or a student loan, frequently they are not available for non-accredited programs.
Is Adequate Practical Training Included? Clinical or practical training is a vital portion of any dental training program. This holds true for the online school options also. Most dental hygienist colleges have associations with area dental practices and clinics that provide clinical training for their students. It's not only essential that the program you select offers enough clinical hours but also provides them in the type of practice that you subsequently want to work in. As an example, if you are interested in a career in pediatric dentistry, make sure that the school you select offers clinical rotation in a local South Bend IN dental practice that focuses on dental treatment for children.
Are Internships Available? Find out if the dental schools you are looking at sponsor an internship program. Internships are undoubtedly the most effective means to obtain hands-on, clinical experience in a professional dental practice. They help students to transition from the theoretical to the practical. They can also help students build professional relationships in the South Bend IN dentistry community. And they are attractive on resumes too.
Is Job Placement Assistance Offered? Many graduating students of dental hygienist programs need assistance getting their first job. Find out if the schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs, and what their job placement rates are. Programs with high job placement rates probably have excellent reputations within the South Bend IN dental profession in addition to large networks of contacts where they can place their students for internships or employment.
Are Classrooms Small? Check with the programs you are looking at how large on average their classes are. The smaller classes usually offer a more intimate environment for learning where students have greater access to the teachers. On the other hand, bigger classes tend to be impersonal and provide little individualized instruction. If feasible, ask if you can monitor a couple of classes at the South Bend IN dental hygienist college that you are most interested in in order to witness first hand the amount of interaction between teachers and students before enrolling.
What is the Total Cost of the Program? Dental hygiene training can differ in cost based on the length of the program and the volume of clinical training provided. Other factors, such as the reputations of the schools and whether they are private or public also have an impact. But along with the tuition there are other substantial expenses which can add up. They can include expenses for such things as textbooks and commuting as well as school materials, equipment and supplies. So when comparing the cost of colleges, don't forget to add all of the costs associated with your education. Most colleges have financial assistance departments, so make sure to ask what is available as far as loans, grants and scholarships in the South Bend IN area.
Are the Classes Convenient? Before selecting a dental hygienist college, you must verify that the hygienist or assistant program furnishes classes that suit your schedule. This is especially true if you will be working while getting your education and need to attend classes near South Bend IN at nights or on weekends. And even if you choose an online school, you will still need to schedule your practical training classes. Also, while making your inquiries, ask what the make-up protocol is if you should need to miss any classes because of work, illness or family emergencies.
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